Gen Z Drives Global Protest Wave, Challenging Status Quo
France is under scrutiny for allegedly curtailing protests and undermining democracy. Meanwhile, a global wave of youth-led rebellions, driven by Generation Z, is challenging the status quo and reshaping protest dynamics worldwide.
At the heart of this phenomenon lies Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, who are harnessing the power of smartphones to amplify their voices. In countries like Nepal, where recent deadly protests sparked by governance dissatisfaction and inequality led to the ousting of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli in just 48 hours, and Iran, where ongoing repression and labor issues fuel unrest, young people are at the forefront. Even China, with its vast Gen Z population and underlying social tensions, faces potential youth-led protests due to issues like inequality and corruption.
This global trend is not new. In 2022, Sri Lankan students and activists toppled the Rajapaksa dynasty in a mere five months. In 2024, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in six weeks. The pace of these movements is accelerating, with Morocco currently grappling with Gen Z-led protests over public services. Madagascar's president recently dismissed the cabinet amidst deadly blackout protests.
The overwhelmingly young and hyper-connected crowds driving these movements are demanding transparency and concrete results, rebelling against outdated governance models. As seen in France and across Asia, the power of Generation Z is undeniable, and their influence on global politics is set to grow.
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